明尼苏达大学双城分校

The early childhood education initial licensure/master's of education (MEd) program is offered through the Institute of Child Development in collaboration with the department of Curriculum and Instruction. The program is designed to prepare outstanding teachers of young children who will have a strong foundation in child development theory and research and developmentally appropriate methodology for educating the different ages within the early childhood years (birth to age 8). Clinical experiences in the Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School and in local urban/suburban public schools create a strong experiential base in which to apply the principles and methods learned in University courses. Emphasis is placed on understanding individual learners, working with diverse learners, using a variety of instructional strategies, providing inclusive programming for children with and without special needs, working closely with families, and creating positive classroom communities. The program includes preparation in developing and implementing professional writing and curriculum planning, authentic assessment, documentation of student learning, reflective practice, professional development, and ethics.

Master's of education/initial licensure programs are for individuals with bachelor's degrees who want to become licensed teachers. These graduate-level programs provide rigorous, professional teacher preparation in accordance with the Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers (SEPT) and the MN Early Childhood Indicators of Progress adopted by the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

The 52 to 56 credit program includes major coursework, early childhood and elementary methods courses, student teaching experiences in both early childhood and elementary education, and a master’s capstone project. This program includes coursework to satisfy both initial licensure requirements and the MEd degree. Upon completion of all requirements, students are eligible for recommendation for teacher licensure in early childhood education (birth to third grade). Teacher licensure is awarded through the Minnesota Department of Education. Students have five years from initial enrollment in the program to complete their MEd degree and must maintain a 2.80 GPA to be eligible for the MEd.

A 30 to 32 credit advanced standing plan is available for students who completed the University of Minnesota-Twin cities BS in early childhood education: foundations degree. Students in the advanced standing plan complete the MEd in two semesters.